Poly-B Pipe Replacement
Replace failing polybutylene plumbing in BC homes built 1985–1997. Insurance renewal and leak prevention.
Poly-B (polybutylene) plumbing was widely installed in Vancouver-area homes built between 1985 and 1997. Two decades later, the chlorine in BC water reacts with the pipe walls, causing brittleness, micro-cracks, and eventually catastrophic leaks. As of 2025, multiple BC insurers will not renew home insurance on Poly-B properties — replacement is now a transactional necessity, not just a maintenance choice.
We replace Poly-B with PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) — the modern standard, code-approved, 50-year warranty from major manufacturers. Typical scope: re-pipe all hot/cold supply lines from the manifold to every fixture, replace shutoff valves, drywall patch behind access points, pressure-test the new system.
Real Vancouver Poly-B replacement costs:
| Property type | Replacement cost | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Condo (1-bath, single-floor) | $4,000 – $8,000 | 2–3 days |
| Condo (2-bath) | $6,000 – $12,000 | 3–4 days |
| Townhouse (2 floors) | $8,000 – $14,000 | 4–6 days |
| SFH (single-floor 1,500 sqft) | $10,000 – $16,000 | 5–7 days |
| SFH (2-floor 2,500 sqft) | $14,000 – $22,000 | 6–10 days |
| Luxury SFH (3-floor + ensuites) | $20,000 – $35,000+ | 10–14 days |
What's included: PEX-A or PEX-B re-pipe, all supply line connections, manifold installation, drywall patch (paint touch-up not included), pressure test, BC permit + inspection.
What's extra: Drain/waste re-piping (separate scope), hot water tank replacement, fixture replacements, full repaint of touched walls.
Why now: insurers are tightening coverage every year. Get ahead of a forced replacement at the worst possible time (after a leak, with damage repair costs piled on top). We coordinate with your insurer if needed for renewal documentation.
Read more: BC renovation insurance guide
Poly-B in Strata Buildings
Strata corporations in Metro Vancouver are increasingly passing special levies for building-wide Poly-B replacement. If your building has not yet addressed this, individual unit replacement may provide temporary relief for your unit but will not satisfy insurer requirements if the common-area supply lines remain Poly-B. We work with strata councils on coordinated building-wide replacement projects — coordinating schedules across multiple units reduces per-unit cost by 15–25%.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has Poly-B? Poly-B pipe is gray or dull white plastic, typically stamped "PB2110" or "Shell Oil" along its length. It runs from your main shutoff to every tap, toilet, shower, and appliance. If you bought a Metro Vancouver home built between 1985–1997, assume Poly-B is present until a licensed plumber confirms otherwise. We can identify it during a free walkthrough.
How long does Poly-B replacement take in a condo? A single-level, 1-bathroom condo takes 2–3 days: one day to re-pipe, one day to patch and test. You will need to be out of the unit for the plumbing day (access to all fixture locations required). We schedule around Strata move-in/out rules and elevator booking.
Will my insurance cost go down after Poly-B replacement? Most BC insurers reduce premiums or re-qualify previously declined renewals after certified Poly-B replacement. We provide a completion certificate and pressure-test results for insurer submission. Several clients have saved $800–$1,500/year in insurance premiums after replacement.
What We Do
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Areas We Serve
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have Poly-B plumbing?+
Poly-B (polybutylene) was used in Vancouver-area homes built between 1985 and 1997. The pipes are usually grey or beige plastic, branded with markings like "PB-2110" or "QEST". If your home is from that era and has plastic supply lines, there is a good chance some or all of the plumbing is Poly-B.
Will my insurance cover Poly-B replacement in Vancouver?+
Most BC insurers will not pay to replace functioning Poly-B, but they will deny renewal or hike premiums until you replace it. We provide insurer-ready documentation after the Vancouver project completes — pressure test results, BC permit, PEX warranty — so you can return to your insurer for renewal at standard rates.
Can I stay in my home during a Poly-B re-pipe?+
Yes. We re-pipe section by section so you have water restored at the end of each working day. Plan for short shut-offs (2-4 hours) when each fixture group is connected over to PEX. We coordinate timing with you in advance.
Get a Quote for Poly-B Pipe Replacement
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